A survey on the effects of weed control treatments and plant density on lentil growth and yield

In this study, the effects of weed control treatments and plant density on lentil (Lens culinaris) yield and yield components as well as weed control efficacy were investigated. The study was conducted according to a split-plot arrangement based on randomized completely block design in three replicates in Karaj in 2007-2008. The weed control chemical treatments in four levels (Trifluralin herbicide with hand weeding, Alachlor herbicide, hand weeding, control) were selected as the main factor while the plant density in four levels (80, 160, 240 and 320 p/m2) was chosen as the sub-factor. Results showed that the effects of weed control on the biological and seed yields of lentil and the harvest index were significant. Also, the effect of plant density on the biological and seed yields, harvest index, number of branch and number of pods per plant were significant. The results showed that the biological and seed yields and harvest index were increased by increasing the plant density. According to the significant effect of plant density on the dry weight and the weed control efficacy, the results showed that by increasing the plant density, the weed control efficacy increased, and the best weed control efficacy was obtained in 320 plant/m2. In addition, the complete weeding and Alachlor herbicide were the best methods based on the weed control efficacy among the weed control treatments.